Page 63 of A Whisper in the Shadows

“That is actually somewhat why we stopped by.” Hadrian glanced at Tilda. “We just came from tea with Mrs. Atkins.”

“I’d heard she invited you,” Nevill said. “I trust you enjoyed yourselves.”

“It was quite pleasant,” Hadrian said, and Tilda silently congratulated his prevarication. “She is most keen to have me in the role of canvasser. As you are aware, she’s offered to pay my salary and reiterated that today. She plans to speak with you about the matter.”

“Mrs. Atkins is always looking for ways to insert herself into the society’s business.” Nevill sounded beleaguered.

Tilda gave him a brief, understanding smile. “Forgive me, but we wondered if Mrs. Atkins’s considerable interest in the society is entirely welcome. She seems very involved for someone who can’t be a member.”

Nevill blew out an exasperated breath. “Phelps allowed her to participate—to a certain extent. I know he wanted her financial support, but he also desired her goodwill. She is a well-respectedmember of the ward.” He gave them a knowing look. “It’s helpful to have someone like her in your corner.”

“‘Someone like her?’” Hadrian asked, quoting Nevill.

“Someone with money.” Nevill regarded Hadrian as if he should have known that.

“Of course,” Hadrian said smoothly. “I wondered if there was more to it than that—perhaps her passion for the society. I can see where her avid support would also be helpful.”

“I suppose so,” Nevill said. “Though she can be rather invasive about it.”

“She almost seems like a member of the administration,” Tilda noted. “Or perhaps that’s just what she would like to be.”

“Perhaps,” Nevill said thoughtfully. “I can see how you would gain that impression. That’s why Furnier doesn’t care for her. It’s not her place, or anyone who isn’t a member, to be so involved. At least, that’s his argument.”

“So, Furnier won’t be in favor of her paying my salary?” Hadrian asked.

“Not necessarily,” Mr. Nevill replied, lifting a shoulder. “He knows that if we’re to have a canvasser, the funds will need to come from somewhere, since Phelps can no longer pay for it.”

Tilda and Hadrian exchanged another look. Their plan did not include telling Nevill that Mrs. Atkins had been funding Eaton’s salary.

“Did Phelps not leave his money to the Amicable Society?” Tilda asked.

Nevill leaned his hip against the counter. “I’m not sure he had a will.”

“Perhaps the police know,” Hadrian suggested.

“That’s possible,” Nevill said. “I do think they’re trying to locate his relatives. Unfortunately, we are of no help. Phelps never spoke of any.”

“And he was from Reading?” Hadrian asked.

“That’s right.” Nevill cocked his head. “How did you know?”

“Mrs. Atkins mentioned it,” Hadrian replied. “It seemed they were very close.”

“I think she wanted to be.” Nevill snorted. “But I don’t know that Phelps entirely reciprocated her attentions. She’s always struck me as a bit lonely since her husband died a few years ago. And she doesn’t have any children. I think that might be why she’s so preoccupied with the society. It gives her a purpose. I do agree with her opinion that the Society’s reputation needs rehabilitation,” he added.

“My husband and I find we are already quite dedicated to the society,” Tilda said earnestly. “I look forward to helping plan the picnic, and Albert would like to become more involved. In fact, we discussed with Mrs. Atkins the possibility of him taking Phelps’s place.”

Nevill’s nostrils flared, and his lips parted in surprise. “You discussed that with her?”

Tilda nodded. “Do you think that would be possible?”

Nevill thought a moment, then pushed away from the counter and straightened his shoulders. “Furnier and I haven’t discussed it much, though he suggested the two of us could manage things on our own. However, I find him irritating on occasion.” He looked at them ruefully. “Phelps was a good mediator between us. I’m not sure it’s wise for the society to operate without a third person, but I’ll probably have to convince Furnier that someone ought to take Phelps’s place.”

Nevill fixed Tilda with a curious stare. “Why is your husband’s interest so great? He’s only just joined.”

Tilda looked down for a brief moment before responding. “He has personal experience with losing members of his family. The cost of the funerals was rather devastating. He would like to save other families from such hardship and heartache.”

“Too many people have experienced that,” Nevill said with a sad shake of his head. His eyes flickered with a bright emotion, and he suddenly slammed his hand on the counter, startling the clients and the other employee with his physical display. “My apologies.” He cast a regretful smile toward them before returning his attention to Tilda and Hadrian and speaking in a softer tone. “We need to reaffirm the Amicable Society’s purpose and entice people to join.”